This year Parkhaven Trust once again partnered with Live Music Now enabling musicians to visit two of our services, made possible with funding from the P.H. Holt Foundation. Over five months, Live Music Now musicians conducted engaging music sessions at The Beeches and James Page House.
The Beeches is a residential and nursing service for people with dementia, which Live Music Now worked with the previous year. Around 45 residents, plus their families and the full staff team were involved in the visits, which took place across several of the units.
James Page House is a nursing home for older people and this is the first time LMN have worked with the home. 36 residents and their families and the full staff team benefited from the music sessions.
Each home received 14 sessions, the majority of which were delivered by Ste Forshaw. As the musician-in-residence he was able to build rapport with staff and residents over several months, and tailor his sessions accordingly. Guest musicians made up the rest of the performances and gave the homes an opportunity to experience different styles of music.
Live Music Now concerts are interactive and participatory in nature, with musicians engaging the residents, families and staff throughout, creating more meaningful experiences and memories. Musicians passed out percussion instruments and encouraged participation through singing, beat-making, movement and playing requested songs.
“On Ash wing the concerts regularly created a joyous and spirited atmosphere, with lots of smiles and laughter, singing and dancing. I was delighted to see strong social connections being made as a small group of friends who regularly sat together (front row seats!) would encourage one another to sing along and play percussion.” – Ste Forshaw, musician
These performances help to improve wellbeing, combat isolation, reduce depression and build confidence and self-esteem by engaging residents in meaningful activity which connects them with staff and other residents. Many residents repeatedly spoke about how much the music meant to them and how happy they were with the concerts.
“Music helps residents as it effects their mood in a positive way. Listening to music from their genre helps as it is music they remember listening to. Music therapy has been proven to raise good mood.” – Carer
The feedback supports the importance of high quality and engaging live music on resident’s emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual wellbeing. The project also helped to build connections between staff and residents and create a more enjoyable workplace.
“I always feel happy when residents are happy, [it] makes it worthwhile.” – Housekeeper
Read more about the project here.
